Less is more – this certainly rings true with Courtney Gray’s ‘Tis the Season. There is no need for lengthy paragraphs with descriptions or explanations in this story. Doyle and Bodie are shown to us in bits of conversation, through the eyes of other agents – predominantly Anson’s - who turn out to be more perceptive than they realize themselves. The author employs this narrative device very effectively indeed.

Courtney fast forwards us through several years, always homing in on Christmas. The other agents’ routine sets the stage. Enter Bodie and Doyle, and the atmosphere is immediately electric, the spotlight on them. They seem to revolve around each other in their own private universe. Gravitational forces at work, and the pull is getting stronger each year.

The last of the four parts the story is structured in is especially brilliant. The status quo is announced with Bodie’s car parked outside Doyle’s flat. Anson and the reader are presented with established boundaries and behavior patterns. Don’t eat the chocolates with the red wrappers. Conversations are held with glances alone, with gestures. There’s a level of understanding between the two of them that reaches deep. Even when the words are directed at Anson, they talk to each other more often than not. The nice thing is, neither Anson nor the reader feel excluded. Like in a game of skill, all silver balls settle in their respective holes - with the Christmas tree shining its light above it all.

In ‘Tis the Season, Courtney Gray says so much without telling, and leaves enough clues and room for the reader to fill the gaps. It takes a very skilled author to do this right. Furthermore, it’s enjoyable to read about some of the other agents that we only know from their short appearances in the original show.cloudless_9193 called this story a little gem and I can only agree with her.

Happy sigh! That was very nice, especially the last part is so sweet. Quite unusual with Anson's view, but he's a guy I always liked.I think he was allowed to show more personality in the show than Murphy.